King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa released 25 political ‘prisoners of conscience’ then left the country for Saudi Arabia for consultations after a week of anti-regime protests. Those released included a human rights activist who runs bahrainonline.org; a member of the Committee for the Victims of Torture; and a worker with the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights. Several prominent Shia clerics, including a spokesman of the Haq Movement for Civil Liberties and Democracy, were also released. Bahrain is a predominantly Shia nation run by a Sunni elite. There have been roughly 100 political detainees released but approximately 400 people are still detained on politically-inspired charges. Bahrain is experiencing deaths and increased tension. Anti-government protesters are pressing for a host of demands including political reforms and better human rights in the kingdom. They are refusing to disperse, despite a rare apology from the king. We can increase informed prayers for this land from information found at: Pray: that people will work through differences in a peaceful manner and as they search in their hearts for peace they will hear the God of Peace speak. (Ps.72:9)